01668nas a2200217   4500000000100000008004100001653001200042653001700054653001400071100001200085700001300097700001400110700001300124700001200137245001000149856005800159300001100217490000800228520120000236022001401436       2015                            d10aMapping10aEpidemiology10aDiagnoses1 aMarks M1 aMitjà O1 aSolomon A1 aAsiedu K1 aMabey D00aYaws.  uhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4350436/   a91-1000 v1133 a<p><strong>INTRODUCTION: </strong>Yaws, caused by Treponema pallidum ssp. pertenue, is endemic in parts of West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The WHO has launched a campaign based on mass treatment with azithromycin, to eradicate yaws by 2020.</p>

<p><strong>SOURCES OF DATA: </strong>We reviewed published data, surveillance data and data presented at yaws eradication meetings.</p>

<p><strong>AREAS OF AGREEMENT: </strong>Azithromycin is now the preferred agent for treating yaws. Point-of-care tests have demonstrated their value in yaws.</p>

<p><strong>AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: </strong>There is limited data from 76 countries, which previously reported yaws. Different doses of azithromycin are used in community mass treatment for yaws and trachoma.</p>

<p><strong>GROWING POINTS: </strong>Yaws eradication appears an achievable goal. The programme will require considerable support from partners across health and development sectors.</p>

<p><strong>AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: </strong>Studies to complete baseline mapping, integrate diagnostic tests into surveillance and assess the impact of community mass treatment with azithromycin are ongoing.</p>
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